Methanesulfonic acid
CAS 75-75-2
EC 200-898-6
Formula CH4O3S
MW 96.11 g/mol
Organic Acids ElectronicsPrinting & PackagingPharmaceuticals & HealthcareWater Treatment CatalysispH Regulation & BufferingPreservation & Biocide
Description
Methanesulfonic acid (MSA, CAS 75-75-2) is a strong organic acid also known as mesylic acid, methylsulfonic acid, or sulfomethane. It carries no assigned E-code. Unlike mineral acids, it is fully biodegradable and non-oxidising, making it a technically distinct option within the organic acids category.
In electronics manufacturing, MSA serves as the electrolyte acid in tin and lead-free plating baths, where its high solubility for metal salts enables uniform deposition. In pharmaceutical synthesis, it acts as a catalyst for esterification and condensation reactions, driving conversion without generating halide by-products. Water treatment formulators also use it for pH correction and scale inhibition.
MSA is supplied as an aqueous solution in technical and high-purity grades, with pharmaceutical-grade material conforming to Ph.Eur. specifications. The product falls under REACH regulation (EC 200-898-6) and is classified under HS code 29041000. Packaging options typically include IBC containers and drums for bulk procurement.
In electronics manufacturing, MSA serves as the electrolyte acid in tin and lead-free plating baths, where its high solubility for metal salts enables uniform deposition. In pharmaceutical synthesis, it acts as a catalyst for esterification and condensation reactions, driving conversion without generating halide by-products. Water treatment formulators also use it for pH correction and scale inhibition.
MSA is supplied as an aqueous solution in technical and high-purity grades, with pharmaceutical-grade material conforming to Ph.Eur. specifications. The product falls under REACH regulation (EC 200-898-6) and is classified under HS code 29041000. Packaging options typically include IBC containers and drums for bulk procurement.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 20 °C |
| Boiling Point | 167 °C @ Press: 10 Torr |
| Density | 1.4812 g/cm³ @ Temp: 18 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | colourless or light yellow liquid |
| Color | brown |
| Form | Solution |
| Water Solubility | Miscible with water. Slightly miscible with benzene and toluene. Immiscible with paraffins. |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.429(lit.) |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS05 GHS07 GHS06 GHS08
H
H290H301H302H312H314H318H332H335H361H302+H312
P
P203P234P260P261P264P270P271P280P316P317P318P319P321P330P363P390P405P406P501P264+P265P301+P316P301+P317P302+P352P304+P340P362+P364P403+P233P301+P330+P331P302+P361+P354P305+P354+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29041000 |
| UN Number | 3265 |
| ADR Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
methylsulfonic acidMSAScalevaMCAT 1201Lutropur MSASULFOMETHANEMesylic acid
Related Products
Raw Materials
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.